Filing a Damage Claim After Hurricane Francine

As Hurricane Francine makes its landfall in Louisiana and heads to Mississippi, countless properties will be left grappling with extensive hurricane damage. The aftermath of such a hurricane necessitates that as policyholders, you should understand the intricacies of filing hurricane damage claims to ensure you receive the compensation needed to rebuild and recover.

Navigating the complexities of the hurricane insurance claims process can be daunting, particularly in such stressful times. This is where The Morgan Law Group, hurricane claims lawyers, steps in, advocating for property owners to effectively manage their insurance claims, secure fair assessments, and maximize their entitled recoveries.

Common Damages in Hurricane Insurance Claims

Hurricanes unleash a multitude of forces capable of causing catastrophic property damage. 

The common hurricane damage to expect after Hurricane Francine can include:

• Roof Damage: Roofs can suffer from lost shingles, holes, and structural weakening due to high winds and flying debris, often leading to water leakage inside the property.
• Window and Door Breakage: Sustained winds are deemed “damaging” once they hit 50 knots, or 58 mph, at which point they begin to snap branches and strip roof shingles. The intense pressure and debris carried by hurricane winds can break windows and doors, posing immediate safety risks and property security concerns. 
• Flood Damage: Hurricanes often bring significant rainfall and storm surges, leading to flooding that can infiltrate homes and businesses, damaging floors, walls, and even the foundation.
• Structural Damage: The very framework of a building can be compromised in a hurricane, with potential partial or complete collapse, requiring immediate attention.
• Siding Damage: Siding may be peeled away or punctured, exposing the underlying materials to the elements and increasing the risk of further structural and water damage.
• Electrical Damage: Water intrusion and direct damage from the storm can affect electrical systems, posing fire risks and necessitating comprehensive inspections by professionals.

Hurricanes like Francine reveal the vulnerability of our structures, emphasizing the necessity for robust construction and preparedness planning.

How Hurricane Francine Damage Claims Work

Filing an insurance claim after Hurricane Francine is a multi-step process that requires attention to detail and timely action to ensure you receive the compensation necessary to repair and rebuild. 

Here’s how to file an insurance claim after Hurricane Francine:

• Immediate Hurricane Damage Assessment: As soon as it is safe to do so, you should thoroughly assess the extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Francine. This includes taking photographs and videos from multiple angles, documenting all affected areas and items, and making a comprehensive list of damages to structure and contents.

• Contact Your Insurance Provider: The next critical step is to contact your insurance company to report the damage. This initial notification should be done as quickly as possible since many insurers require prompt reporting after the event. During this contact, ask about the specific steps in the claims process, any immediate actions you should take, and the timeline for sending an adjuster to evaluate the damage.

• Professional Damage Assessment: A personal insurance adjuster can play a vital role at this stage by providing a professional assessment of the damages of your property. The Morgan Law Group works with qualified assessors who understand the intricacies of hurricane-related damages and can help provide a clear, detailed report that supports your claim.

• Filing the Claim: With a thorough assessment in hand and a clear understanding of your policy, you are ready to formally file your hurricane insurance claim. This process typically involves submitting all gathered evidence, the professional assessment report, and a filled claim form detailing the damages and the expected compensation.

• Claim Adjustment: After the claim is filed, the insurance company will send their adjuster to review the damage and provide an estimate for repairs. This is a crucial stage where having a hurricane insurance claim lawyer can be beneficial. Adjusters represent the insurance company’s interests and may undervalue your claim. 

• Claim Resolution: The final step involves the resolution of your hurricane damage claim, which might end in a settlement offer from the insurance company. If the offer is adequate and covers all damages, the claim can be settled quickly. However, if the offer is insufficient, seek a better settlement or even pursue legal action if necessary to secure a fair resolution.

Handling insurance claims after a hurricane can be a daunting process, but you don’t have to face it alone. An insurance claim lawyer can navigate through these steps with confidence, knowing that every aspect of your claim is being handled to maximize your recovery efforts.

Importance of Documentation of Repairs Before Hurricane Francine

Pre-hurricane repairs and fortifications play a crucial role in the insurance claims process following Hurricane Francine. Insurance companies meticulously evaluate the condition of a property prior to the hurricane to determine the validity and extent of the claim. This assessment includes a review of any pre-existing damage which could potentially diminish the value of the claim.

Maintaining detailed records and receipts of any repairs, maintenance, or upgrades made before Hurricane Francine is therefore of utmost importance. These documents serve as proof of the property’s condition before the storm hit. 

Such evidence is critical as it establishes a baseline against which hurricane-related damage can be assessed. For instance, if a new roof was installed shortly before the hurricane, the claim for damages to the roof will be substantiated by showing its recent installation and excellent pre-storm condition.

Moreover, these records can significantly expedite the claims process. By providing clear documentation, you can help adjusters and your hurricane claims lawyer quickly verify the extent of new damages relative to the property’s state before Hurricane Francine. 

How Hurricane Claims Lawyer Can Help You in Hurricane Francine Damage Claim

Navigating property damage after Hurricane Francine is complex and fraught with challenges. Our insurance claim lawyers at The Morgan Law Group specialize in handling such cases, ensuring that property owners like you receive fair treatment from insurance companies. 

From disputing undervaluations and denials to addressing delays in claim processing, our hurricane claims lawyers provide essential legal knowledge and advocacy, significantly increasing the likelihood of a favorable resolution.

For personalized assistance and to ensure your rights are fully protected when filing an insurance claim after Hurricane Francine, call us today or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you rebuild and recover by securing the compensation you deserve.